The meeting opened with a discussion on the communication from the Department of Public Utilities concerning NSTAR Electric Company, doing business as Eversource. The town administrator presented a drafted response to a petition for approval of revised energy-efficient reconciling factors set to take effect on July 1, 2025. The letter emphasized Blandford’s demographics—a rural community with an aging population and many on fixed incomes—highlighting the potential adverse effects of utility cost increases that could range from 0.2% to 9.2%. The administrator noted that such increases could impact local businesses and the town’s budget, placing additional financial pressure on taxpayers. The board approved the draft letter urging the Department of Public Utilities to consider the cumulative impacts on small towns like Blandford and to explore alternative financial relief mechanisms.

The meeting also delved into infrastructure concerns. The highway representative reported ongoing issues with Curtis Hall Road, where a drainage problem linked to beaver activity had compromised an old culvert, raising public safety concerns. Traffic cones placed to alert drivers were reportedly stolen, exacerbating the situation. Efforts to clear debris and allow water to flow more freely were ongoing, with plans to seek further assistance from Dick Gates. Additionally, the representative noted frustration over slow communication with Verizon regarding downed communication lines on Gore Road, emphasizing that these were communication, not power lines, posing no immediate safety risk.

In another discussion, the board tackled the topic of upgrading the town’s fuel management system. The current system was criticized for being outdated and inefficient, prompting exploration of more modern solutions. One option, a cloud-based system called Smartfill, was highlighted for its ability to provide real-time logging of fuel usage across various departments via Wi-Fi. The Smartfill system, costing $49.50 per month with an initial installation fee of $17,000, was favored for its maintenance-free and weather-resistant features. An alternative, the proven vent system, would require a hardwired connection and come with additional software and hardware costs, making it less efficient. The board discussed including the funding request for the selected system in a warrant for upcoming town discussions, with a focus on ensuring detailed reporting and efficient tracking of fuel use.

Further discussions addressed the condition of fuel tanks, which were in poor shape, lacking proper labeling. A representative from Beerman Services recommended painting the tanks and ensuring compliance with regulations, with quotes for the necessary work ranging from $4,200 to $5,000. The board underscored the need for immediate action to meet regulatory standards and ensure safety.

Additional infrastructure concerns included a drainage issue on Route 23, where water accumulation problems arose due to a compromised steel pipe under the road. Tim Dion from the state was contacted to assess the situation, proposing potential solutions such as using a silk net over the basin lid. A camera inspection of the pipe’s condition was also requested before initiating costly repairs. The board also discussed water supply issues at the maintenance facility, where significant problems were noted, including the use of a five-gallon bucket to flush toilets, highlighting the need for better communication and resolution by the water department.

In preparation for Memorial Day, it was reported that flags had been raised, but some were detached from their lanyards. New flag poles were installed, and metal wire was used to secure the lanyards for the parade. However, one military flag remained unmounted at a local shop, requiring further attention.